PURPOSE OF EFFECTIVE WRITING

 In business, in the workplace, and in our personal lives, we all stand to benefit from more effective communication skills. Writing is essential to communicate your message clearly and professionally and to incite action in those who you supervise, work with and require action from.

 Many in the workforce today struggle with the basics of writing including grammar, spelling and punctuation and this is what can hold them back and reduce their confidence when it comes to business documents. The style and skills required for formal business writing are best developed by practice and experience, but with the right tools and know-how it is not hard to improve.

Adjusting writing style to suit topic and reader requirements

You must adapt the content, tone and language of your documents to the situation (context) and intended audience of your communication.

 Some business documents and topics require more formal language than others. If unsure seek clarification before starting. For example, documents such as briefing notes, proposals, operational reports and scientific/research reports will require more formal language than memos to the social committee or emails to colleagues.

 Use “you” more than you use “I” or “we”.

 Use a writing style that is appropriate to the reader

 Write from the reader’s point of view, focus on their needs as well as benefits to them.

Example